On the back of three successive Premier League losses, Tottenham Hotspur face the toughest possible assignment on Sunday, as champions Manchester City await at the Etihad.
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
Sunday, 3 December 2023 – 18:30
The Etihad Stadium
To Win Match
Man City 3/10 | Draw 48/10 | Sours 7/1
As I’ve said in my introduction, Manchester City have not always played at the level they are capable of. There is no doubt they are a formidable team to play against, one with incredible poise, depth of quality and player brilliance – but they have just looked as though they can struggle against an aggressive side…
Do I think City finish in the top two spots in the League, yes, but do I think they can challenge on multiple fronts as they have showed in the past – no.
Pep Guardiola won’t change his approach though, they don’t take a step backwards against anyone and it won’t start on Sunday against Spurs. The one interesting point I think deserves to be made though is this, you would expect City to absolutely dominate possession of the ball against whoever they play – but what about when the face a side totally committed to ‘pressing whoever mate’ (yes, that was my attempted Australian nod).
City have won all 24 games played at home in 2023 so you have to respect the record in Manchester, but I think this will be close.
Opinion has started to become divided on Ange Postecoglou, he got off to an absolute flyer and the world fell in love with him. He has begun to return to earth and wobble a little bit, and all of a sudden, the inherent English skepticism has once again begun.
The major issue with Spurs at the moment is the fact that they have key players missing through injury or suspension and the reality is that if you are to beat City you simply have to be perfect. I think James Maddison is possibly the most underrated player for Spurs and his omission is glaring.
Will Tottenham try and dominate field position? I certainly hope so. Will they look to press really high and make the game a little bit of a gung-ho experience? I most certainly hope so!
Big Ange won’t change, and I really do think that will be what gives his side the greatest chance at success.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City: Ederson, Ake, Akanji, Dias, Walker, Silva, Rodri, Foden, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland.
Spurs: Vicario, Porro, Royal, Davies, Udogie, Lo Celso, Hojbjerg, Johnson, Kulusevski, Gil, Son.
Verdict: City + BTTS (29/20)
I think the fact that Spurs are without so many first team players are going to make a massive difference to this sort of fixture.
City are requires you to be absolutely without blemish if you are to have any hope of beating them – however, if Ange and his chargers are committed to their approach, I think they will earn chances and given their talent upfront they can certainly find the back of the net.
Back the home win, but both teams surely score in the process.
